Tag Archives: World Wildlife Day

Today is World Wildlife Day, and we at Trans Africa Safaris, would like to salute and thank all the conservationists, anti-poaching bodies and supporters of our treasured African wildlife.

Around the world, there are a great many animals and plant species whose existence is under threat, but very close to hearts locally, we would in particular like to raise awareness around Rhino, Elephant, Lion and Pangolin whose numbers, in certain regions, are in great peril. Our fauna and flora are, without doubt, one Africa’s greatest assets and we are under no illusion that it will require a diligent and sustained effort to ensure these treasures are safeguarded for future generations.

On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly decided to pro

claim 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

World Wildlife Day will be celebrated in 2016 under the theme “The future of wildlife is in our hands.” African and Asian elephants will be a main focus of the Day under the theme “The future of elephants is in our hands”. Countries around the world are encouraged to highlight species of wild animals and plants from their own countries, adapting the global theme to suit.

The world’s wildlife, whether charismatic or lesser known, is facing many challenges. The biggest threats to wildlife are habitat loss, as well as overgrazing, farming and development. Poaching and trafficking in wildlife driven by transnational organized crime groups pose the most immediate threat to many iconic species. Elephants, pangolins, rhinoceros, sharks, tigers and precious tree species are among the most critically poached and trafficked species across the world.